lepidope

Light of The Rebellion

Matias mostly sat in silence for the majority of the ride. On the occasion that he did peep words, it was to ask on Midnight's status, which while stable remained mostly unchanged. Eventually, the manor was just over the horizon, and shortly after they were parked in front of it. Matias popped the door open with his foot, carrying Midnight out. He felt like he'd have to start getting used to doing this.

Oleander was outside, their head buried in a bush. What looked like their mask's proboscis laid atop a handful of papers.

"WELCOME BACK," they signed, not turning away from the bush at any moment.

Light of The Rebellion

Matias struggled to rise, the inertia threatening to topple him. It thankfully somewhat worked to his favor, pushing him towards the van doors. If the trees were enemies, the group would be in serious danger; luckily, there seemed to be no sign of bipedal threats.

"We're clear," he said, sitting back down. "How's the warehouse? All good?"

Light of The Rebellion

Matias scoffed softly.

"She didn't even sleep last night. I'm surprised she even had the energy to talk..."

A question directed his way made him look back.

"Uh... Obviously the manor. It's closer."

Light of The Rebellion

It was a few minutes into the drive by then. Matias had placed a hasty dressing on Dante's leg which would hopefully ward off infection. The rhythmic rocking of the van was almost enough to rock him to sleep, but he had a job to do unfortunately.

"Ah?"

He was called to action. His fingers pressed against Midnight's jugular, thankfully feeling an undulation.

"Still stable I think," he replied, "She just has to rest. I don't think she's in any real danger... Right?"

Light of The Rebellion

Matias gave a soft nod.

"We can look them over back at the house. I'll stay back here and tend to her..."

He looked over at Dante, eyes widening when he, somehow, just noticed the bullet.

"Ugh... That explains the limp. Whatever. I'll patch you up. Let's get moving."

Light of The Rebellion

"No change," Matias replied, pulling a nearby blanket over Midnight's shivering body. "Looks like she might be out for a while..."

His eyes met the box, curiously examining the thick layer of papers sitting upright.

"See anything of interest there?"

Light of The Rebellion

At the base of the stairs, Matias turned to Dante.

"No shit," he replied, "no one else here can manipulate shadows. Granted, didn't know she could do–"

He paused for moment, collecting his words.

"... that, but I guess I learn something about you weirdos every day.'

All the while as he spoke, he was walking. He more or less knew how to get to the van, although the capital had twists and turns that prolonged the journey. Once he got there, he unlocked the back doors and carefully placed Midnight on the floor.

"Do we have anything to help her in the meantime?"

Light of The Rebellion

Matias shook his head, a dejected sigh escaping him.

"Nah, I got her..."

Not that he really needed to explicitly say it for the group to know, but every time someone referred to his rival-turned-ally as "our bug friend", he felt like punching a wall. Our? Really?

"It left the building earlier," he replied, "I saw it crash through a window. It wasn't here for this."

Matias started making his way out. The stairs were barely an obstacle for him as he made his gradual descent. He was too tired to care.

Light of The Rebellion

Matias's eyes jumped from Midnight to Dante to Bane and looped right back to Midnight again. His chest heaved with every breath, his arms numbing as Midnight laid in his arms. He could hardly even articulate a thought.

"... I don't know."

He really didn't. He didn't understand what happened or why everything was the way it was. But he set it aside for now.

"... Let's just go."

Light of The Rebellion

Words came out of Midnight's mouth, and Matias couldn't help but roll his eyes and scoff.

"Seriously?" he growled, "Prayers? I swear, you'll do anything exce–"

Shadows suddenly filled his vision, whipping and darting around like centipedes on the hunt. He heard the shouts that followed the purist's capture as well as a strange, zap-like snap that silenced them effectively. Soon, everything was silent. No shouting. No explosions. Just the lingering feeling of confusion and fear in the air. Matias stared up at Midnight, wide-eyed and quiet.

"Wh... What did you–?!"

Midnight's weight was pressing down on him. He laid there in shock, attempting to process what just happened. When he couldn't, he rose from the floor, carrying Midnight along with him.

"... Guys?"